In the emerging economies, the significant contribution of private sector for eradicating illiteracy is a well-known fact. For the last three decades, private sector has emerged as a key provider of education services in Pakistan both in absolute terms and relative to the public sector. Private educational institutions and NGOs/NPOsare playing key role not only in eradicating illiteracy but also enhancing the level of students as well as teachers by providing better academic environment.
Below are some of the major players in the education sector of Pakistan:
Alif Ailaan
It is a non-profit organization working in the field of education since 2013. They have launched a campaign that seeks to put education on the fore front of public discourse in Pakistan. Funded by UK Department for International Development, it is led by a team of media and strategic communication specialists who engage with communities and civil society at grass root level in all four provinces of Pakistan. Their network of education activists is spread across more than 70 districts.
The Citizens’ Foundation (TCF)
Set up in 1995, TCF has now become one of Pakistan’s leading organizations in the field of formal education. So far, TCF has established almost 1,500 purpose-built school units nationwide. They also have a dedicated Teacher Training Center in Karachi for the ongoing training of its faculty and provides logistical support to all its teachers. TCF is ranked amongst the top five scoring organizations certified by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) and has received high non-profit organization (NPO) governance rating of GR-8 by JCR-VIS Credit Rating Co. Ltd.
All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA)
Founded in 1949 by Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, its main aim is the furtherance of the moral, social and economic welfare of the women of Pakistan. APWA has been a very active organization since its founding, with branches in 56 districts across Pakistan, and even in rural and urban fringe areas. APWA received the UNESCO Adult Literacy Prize in 1974 and later the Peace Messenger Certificate in 1987.
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Rehber Foundation
Rehber Foundation is a small but one of the active non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based at District Khushab, Punjab-Pakistan, founded in 2003. RF has been focusing on following development areas from the date of its incorporation that include health, governance, education, human rights and gender development. RF has executed and currently running various projects like Rehber Free Dispensary, Rehber Computer College, Rehber Vocational Center, Rehber Model Schools.
Ehsaas Foundation
Ehsaas is a non-profit earning and non-political organization, which is in action in Pakistan without the barrier of religion, cost and creed. It intends to create such a congenial environment where both gender, could have equal opportunities of development and moreover, alleviation of poverty, betterment of standard of living and opportunities to the low-income persons are also included in its program.
Apart from the above, there are various street/footpath schools in Karachi being run by Syeda Anfas Ali Shah Zaidi who is the president of Ocean Welfare Organization. There are various other initiatives by individuals from all walks of life who are playing their part in imparting education to street children. The corporate sector should come forward to support them under their CSR programs.
On the technical training front, the role of Aman Foundation is commendable. Pakistan has capacity to send across large number of young unskilled and semi-skilled people. Having over 30 million plus population in the age group of 25-35, Pakistan can put this valuable asset for the good of the country by imparting training in different technical fields to respond market needs abroad. Initiatives like Aman Tech, TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority) & GPATI (German-Pakistan Training Initiative) will help in the development of human capital of Pakistan.
[box type=”note” align=”” class=”” width=””]The writer is a Karachi based freelance columnist and is a banker by profession. He could be reached on Twitter @ReluctantAhsan[/box]